What does Meredith mean and where does it come from?
Meredith is of Welsh origin, derived from 'Maredudd', which translates to 'great lord' or 'guardian'. It was originally a male name but has transitioned into common use for females, especially in modern times. First recorded use as a female name dates back to the 19th century. It has gained populari
Cultural significance
Meredith has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #140 in 1980 — currently #509 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Meredith?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Meredith?
Meredith works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meredith Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meredith Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meredith Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meredith Claire
French influence · crisp
Meredith Jane
Literary · strong
Meredith Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meredith right now?
Rising — up 40 spots — currently #509 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #509 | 595 | ▲ up 40 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #549 | 557 | ▲ up 21 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #570 | 533 | ▲ up 14 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #584 | 496 | ▲ up 6 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #590 | 509 | ▲ up 13 · +5% births |
| 2010 | #603 | 486 | ▼ down 236 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #367 | 852 | ▼ down 75 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #292 | 1,092 | ▼ down 66 · -12% births |
| 1995 | #226 | 1,244 | ▼ down 36 · -20% births |
| 1990 | #190 | 1,555 | ▼ down 41 · -21% births |
| 1985 | #149 | 1,959 | ▼ down 9 · -5% births |
| 1980 | #140 | 2,072 | ▲ up 41 · +45% births |
| 1975 | #181 | 1,428 | ▲ up 53 · +6% births |
| 1970 | #234 | 1,353 | ▲ up 276 · +292% births |
| 1965 | #510 | 345 | — |
The story of Meredith
Meredith has been a beloved American name for over 129 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1895. A total of 79,062 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1479 in 1895 to #509 in 2023. Meredith is used for both genders: 95% female and 5% male.
Names that peaked alongside Meredith in 1980:
Meredith by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 34 | |
| 1900s | 181 | |
| 1910s | 1,023 | |
| 1920s | 1,719 | |
| 1930s | 1,913 | |
| 1940s | 3,689 | |
| 1950s | 3,397 | |
| 1960s | 4,234 | |
| 1970s | 16,098 | |
| 1980s ★ | 19,389 | |
| 1990s | 12,839 | |
| 2000s | 8,902 | |
| 2010s | 5,143 | |
| 2020s | 496 | |
What are good nicknames for Meredith?
What names sound and feel like Meredith?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meredith also consider these
How is Meredith written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Meredith
What does the name Meredith mean?
Meredith means "Welsh" — a name rooted in Welsh tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Meredith?
Meredith is currently ranked #509 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Meredith have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Meredith?
Meredith originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Meredith?
Meredith is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 R IH0 D IH0 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Meredith?
Meredith pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Welsh heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.